MARC JACOBS
Hutch Post
A resident was injured and several pets were killed in an early Saturday morning house fire in the Back 9 subdivision in Cheney.
According to the Cheney Fire Department, firefighters were dispatched to the structure fire at approximately 1:40 a.m. When crews arrived, they found all occupants safely outside the home, but flames had spread throughout the first floor and were extending through the roof.
Firefighters initially launched an aggressive defensive attack, using multiple handlines and an aerial nozzle to bring the fire under control. Once the flames were knocked down, crews entered the home to conduct a search and complete extinguishment of the fire.
Several pets inside the home did not survive. Firefighters were able to rescue two pets alive. One required oxygen therapy and is recovering well. The second animal fled the scene and had not been located at the time the department released its statement.
One occupant suffered burn injuries and was transported by Sedgwick County EMS to a Wichita hospital. Fire officials said the patient was expected to be released later the same day.
No firefighters were injured during the incident.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
The Cheney Fire Department thanked the Cheney Police Department, Sedgwick County Fire District No. 1, Sedgwick County EMS, Sedgwick County Emergency Communications, the Kansas State Fire Marshal's Office, Evergy, the American Red Cross, and nearby residents for their assistance during the response.